Bridge or ferry.



J. P. M. M. CHRISTENSEN.

BRIDGE 0R FERRY.

APPLICATION nun MAY 10, 1907.

5 BHEBTB-BHEET 1.

COLUMBIA PLANDURAI'II C0.,WA$IHN(ITON. n. c.

J. P. M. M. CHRISTENSEN.

BRIDGE 0B. FERRY.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 10, 1907.

1,073,794, Patented Sept. 23, 1913.

5 SHEETS-BEBE! 2.

FIG. 5

COLUMBIA PLANOclkAPII (0.,WAsmNOToN. u. m

J. P. M. M. CHRISTENSEN.

BRIDGE OR FERRY.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 10, 1007.

1,073,794. Patented Sept. 23, 1913.

6 BHEETB-SHEET 3.

COLUMBIIA PLANOGRAI'H C0..WASNINUTON. n. c.

J. P. M. M. CHRISTENSEN.

BRIDGE OR PERRY.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 10, 1907.

1,073,794, Patented Sept. 23, 1913.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

COLUMBIA PLANOURAPN {IO-.WASIIINUTON. D, c

57 //vv/v7 P w T/VESSES "UTTED STATES PATENT @FFTGE.

10F COPENHAGEN, DENMARK.

J ENS PETER MARIUS M'ATI-IIAS CHRISTENSEN,

BRIDGE OR FERRY.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 3, 1913.

Application filed May 10, 1907. Serial .No. 372,984.

employed to connect the bridge or -ferry with the bank.

Each element consists of a flooring of boards 2 secured to one or more ratt-boxes 1. The latter may be made of any suitable .watcr tight light material. The raft-boxes 1 must be so secured-tor instance below the corners of the said flooring 2-that each element is stable and capable of floating. Figs. 12 and 13 show examples of the method of locating the said boxes. \Vith the construction illustrated in Fig. 1.3 there is less resistance ofl'ercd to the current. For the latter reason, also, the sides of the boxes may be given another form, (for example that shown in Fig. 141) than the rectangular one shown in the drawings in general.

The fittings which serve to connect the elements may prete ably be employed on all four sides of the element in order, that the latter may be connected in both directions in the bridge (see Figs. 1-3). In the event of the elements being couplcdboth in transverse and longitudinal direction, as shown in Fig. 3, the transverse stitl'ening may be done by means of wedged or lashed planking -19.

Figs. st8 show a term of construction for bridge or ferry elements, which in proportion to the weight possess a great carryingpower and are capable of being used for manifold purposes. The element consists of four raft-boxes 1, located between cross- To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, JENS Pn'rnn TVIARIUS Ma'riiias CHRISTENSEN, captain of the Royal l Danish Engineers, subject of Denmark, residing at 77 Kongensgade street, Copenhagen, in the Kingdom of Denmark, have invented new and useful Improvements in Bridges or Ferries, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to portable or pontoon bridges, such as aroused by armies and the like.

One of the features of the invention is to provide a plurality of similar elements which may be readily joined to one another to form a bridge, each element comprising buoyant means to which flooring is secured.

Other objects will be in part obvious and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The elements are provided at the top edge with suitable fittings in the form of horizontal hinges, so that the bridge-so long as it is connected only by these jointsis flexible, bending on horizontal lines running transversely to the direction of length; it can consequently be pushed down a bank in inclined position righting itself gradually into a horizontal position on entering the water. In order to render the bridge rigid, when pushed into the water, suitable fittings are provided at the lower edges of the elements.

Figure 1 is a plan of a light bridge (footties 4t, 5, 7, 8, the upper ties 4t, 7, 8 support bridge) constructed on my system. Fig. 2 the flooring-boards 2. The boxes 1 are of wood of low specific gravity and not liable to split or crack, nor warp unduly. Two long and two short boxes 1 are employed, the former being about 2 meters in length.

The boxes 1 are rendered water tight in a of a stronger such bridge Fig. 3 is a like view or a Fig. 1 1s a plan of one of t! I ferry. Fig. 1. 1* lg. 6 is a is a like view (regular bridge) double bridge. 7 the elements of the bridge or an underside view of Fig.

section on the line VI-VI of Fig. 4. Fig. particular manner, which, however, terms 7 is a side elevation of Fig. 4:. Fig. 8 is an no part ot the present invention. They are stiffened by cross-stays 3, which in view of the weight are constructed as frames, which can be strengthened at both sides by means of thin fillets 42; they may, however, be constructed as watertight bulkheads. The ends are double, the inner end piece 13 lying in the chamber H. :tormed by the walls, while the edges of the outer one 15 are flush with the outside surfaces of the walls.

The walls of the boxes being, as already remarked, very thin, fastening-devices can not be secured to them. The two long boxes 1, which lie parallel, at a certain distance apart, are held together by two sets of ties end elevation thereof. Fig. 9 is a plan of a landing-platform. *ig. 10 shows the same in side elevation. Fig. 11 is a sideelevation showing the assembling or coupling-parts. Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate diagrammatically two forms in which the elements may be constructed. Fig. 14: illustrates diagrammatically one form of construction of the raft-boxes of the elements. Fig. 15 is a horizontal section of the raftboxes.

The new bridge or ferry is constructed of a number of like elements, which are ccfiintings. Special landing-platforms may be 4 and 5 lying transversely above and below them, at a few centimeters from the ends 54, at the parts, where a couple of stays 60 are located in the boxes 1. Both the upper ties 4 and the lower ones 5 are clamped over the boxes 1. The main ties 4 and lower ones 5 project somewhat beyond the boxes 1. Each set of main and lower ties 4 and 5 is connected by means of four long upright bolts 6 located in pairs along the sides of the long boxes, into which they are let to a certain extent, so that the boxes by means of these bolts are kept tight between the ties. Above the boxes 1 there lie in addition to the main ties 4 also some intermediate ties 7 and beyond the main ties are the outside ties 8, all at the same level with the main ties 4 and clamped over the boxes 1.

At each end of the long boxes 1 there is inserted between the upper and lower ties 4 and 5 one of the short boxes 1 with its end lying flush with those of the long boxes. The short box 1 fits exactly into the space between the top and bottom ties 4, 5 and is held in position by means of long upright bolts 6, such as already referred to, fitting into its side walls 53, which have semicircular grooves 6 to receive them. Whereas all the other walls of the boxes 1, are only about 1 centimeter thick, these side walls 53 are somewhat thicker, and at the parts where the said grooves 6 lie they are strengthened by fillets 6 screwed to them. The short boxes are also held in place by means of the intermediate ties 7 lying near est the main ties 4; they bear against these ties 7, while thin steel wire bands 9, secured to the latter are passed around the boxes 1 to afiord support below.

The flooring-boards 2 are carried by the ties 4, 7, 8. The flooring consists of six boards 2 lying across the ties and screwed to them. A small space'is left between the boards, and their upper edges 59, see Fig. 11 are rounded off. The boards 2 extend only from center to center of the main ties 4. The remaining portion at the end of each element, is covered by a board 10 which lies transversely to the others and may serve as railing or fence. It is secured to the other boards 2 by means of hinges 11, in such manner that it can be set on edge or laid fiat. The hinges 11, do not close beyond a right angle, so that the board 10 can not flap over inwardly beyond the vertical position. In this position it is locked against outward motion by two supports 12 turning on a horizontal bolt 12 located in the outer and main ties 8 and 4. When the board 10 is fiapped down, the supports 12 lie in the space between said ties. The support 12 are recessed at 13, so that they can be readily seized with the hand, when they are to be turned.

The long boxes 1 are protected at the bottom by keels 14. The latter are dovetailed into the bottom ties 5, with which they lie flush. They are supported by triangular timbers 15, which lie against the bot-tom of the boxes 1 and are secured thereto by means of two iron straps 16, which are passed around the boxes 1 at the places where the two central stiffening frames 3 are located. For attaching backstays, anchor-cables, or

' the like, two loops 17 are provided on each element, at opposite corners. The loop 17 turns on a horizontal bolt 17 inthe end of the outer tie 8. This bolt connects the outside tie with the adjacent main tie 4, so that the pull on the loop 17 is transmitted to the latter and thus to the whole bridge element. At the two corners of the element where there are no loops 17 the outside and main ties 8 and 4 are also connected by a bolt l7 as just described.

For coupling the elements in the transverse direction, devices are provided both above and below, as shown in Fig. 11. The upper devices are a species of horizontal hinges. At the one side, the fittings 19 are provided at the extreme end with horizontal pintles or hooks 18, while the corresponding fittings on the other minate in knucklepieces or eyes 19 to receive such members. These cured to the main ties 4, being let into the top thereof. They are held partly by the long bolts 6 already mentioned, partly by two smaller bolts 20, which pass through the main tie 4; and finally by clamps 21 passed tightly around the ends of the main ties 4 and the outer end of the fittings 19 The clamps 21 comprise two halves held together by screws 22.

The eyes 19 of the fittings 19 are but slightly larger than the diameter of the pins 18 and are rounded at the edges so as to allow the latter to slip in readily. The two pins 18 on the same side are of unequal length, so as to facilitate their insertion into the eyes 19. The axes of both pins 18 and eyes 19 lie so far beyond the ends of the main ties 4 that the bottom ties 5 butt together when the parts have been coupled. At the ends of the pins 18 are small holes 18 to receive cotters 18 or the, like after coupling, so as to prevent the parts becoming disconnected. The cotters 18 are secured to the bridge-elements by small thin straps 18 As long as the elements are only connected by the fittings here described, the bridge so formed twill bend on lines, which lie transversely of the same at the top edge.

The bridge lIl inclined ally on entering the water.

can thus be pushed down a bank fittings are se position, righting itself graduside of the element ter- In order to render the bridge rigid, like 7 a continuous raft, lower fittings secured to the bottom tles 5 are provided, as shown in by means of a special landing-platform, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10. The platform corresponds in size with that of the just described bridge-element. it consists as shown Fig. 11; they consist of two hooks 24C, turning on horizontal bolts 24* lying in the bottom ties 5, and gripping suitable bolts 25 in the bottom ties of the adjacent bridge- 5 element. The bolts 25 thus seized by the in Fig. 9 of two main ties 4t, two outer ties hooks 24: are threaded at the end ant fun 8 and intermediate tics 7, of substantially nished with Wing-nuts 26, which can be the same dimensions as the tics of the elescrewed up tight against the hook 21 after ment. The ties at, 7, 8, rest on two girders the latter has seized the bolt 25. Should 37 ot' figured-iron, some 2 meters in length,

the nut 26 loosen through shocks, the hook to which they are secured. The ties l, 7 S, 2-1 is still prevented from releasing the bolts support the flooring 2, which is without any 25 by means of a small projection 27 at the railing. The landbig-platform is provided end, engaging with the edge of the nut 26. both at the sides and ends with fittings simi- In order to prevent the hooks Q-l dropping lar to the upper coupling devices already dedown when not desired, the collar 28, which scribed, but each side fitting 50 is forged in in (IO'Il]l1nCt1OIl with a split pin 29 retains one piece with the end fitting 51 at the same them in place, is provided inside with a corner, so that there are in all four doublespiral spring 28 coiled on the bolt 24 on fittings, one at each corner of the platform. which the hook 24'. turns. This spring 28 Thus in addition to :tullilling their main ofpresses the hook 26% against the bottom tic 5, lice, the fittings 5t), 51. also serve to so that the hook 2% is held in every position strengthen the platform in transverse direcin which it may be set. In order that the tion. The landing-platilorm is booked at hook 24 may not drop below the horizontal one end to the bridge-element, which lies position, a small stop-pin 30 is screwed into nearest the bank, while the other end rests the bottom tie 5. on the latter.

The hooks 24 are located at the outside of In the regular bridge shown in liig. 2, it the bottom ties 5, so as to be easy of access. is iii'iport-ant to insure undisturbed passage, On the bolts 24 on which they turn, and on that the end of the bridge does not tip, when the bolts 25 which they grip there is a strong a weight comes suddenly upon it (for inpull exercised, especially when the chains 38 stance, when a horse steps onto the bridge). of the landingplatforin (to be hereinafter Such tipping would occur, were the landingreierred to) are secured to them. To preplatform only connected with the element vent the bolts A and 25 being thus torn nearest the shore by the hinge-couplings. from the bottom ties 5, the latter are 'It is prevented by means of two ropes or strengthened by fittings 31, whereby the pull chains 38. These latter may consist of a is partly transmitted to a horizontal bolt ll flexible steel hawscr, with strap 39 spliced located farther back. The fittings 31 also on to the end, while there may be a short embrace the bottom of the tie a), so that the chain 40, with a terminal pin 52, at the latter also is strengthened against the pull other end. The chains C38 are so located,

exercised by the chains 38 in upward directhat their straps 35%) take over the wing-nuts tion. The bottom ties 5 are further strength- 26 on the bolts 2:) in the bottom ties of the ened by rings pushed over their ends in last element, in such manner that the straps the hot state. 39 embrace these bolts at the same place,

For the purpose of coupling the elem t where otherwise the hooks Q-it would engage 5 together in the longitudinal direction there n coup ng up two elements. lVlien the only upper fittings id d hi h landing-platiorin has been so coupled Willi oi the same kind, as those above described the element, a suit-able link of the chain it with the horizontal pins 18 and eyes 15), b t is hooked onto the girder 37 of the plati' orni, the method of fastening being different. epending upon the length required.

59 Close within the pins 1.8 or eyes 1!) the fitto.) A Zak ht foot-l'rcrYloc of my .10 70 8f) tings are provided with wings or arms 33, ou'tcrs in long H2. (See Fig. l.)--This located. transversely to the direction of bridge is constructed by the elements being length, so that the fitting has the form of a coupled. ti'igether in the longitudinal direccross. The arms lie in the direction of tion, that is to say they lie lengtlnvise in the the outside ties 8 and are let into the top direction of length of the bridge. The work of the latter. The fittings are held partly of laying such a bridge is extremely simple, by screw bands 34, which pass through the since it consists merely in coupling the elearins and ties 8 and around the end of ments together on the shore, as a rule singly, the long box 1; partly by a small bolt 35, and then pushing them down the bank 0 which passes through the tie 8; and partly gradually into the water. The landingit material has to be economized, into the bridge itself, in such manner that 3 to t elements come between each two landiiigplattorms. The crossing to the shore can then be etl'ected by means pl at't'orins,

bv a wood screw 36 b means of which the may be built inner end of the fitting 33 is secured to the intermediate tie 7 located next to the main tie 4t.

Crossing from bank to bridge is enabled the like, the material described can be used with much advantage. The landing-platforms at disposal can be inserted between the elements without the stability being ef fected in this case.

As already remarked, the material here described in detail is only one form of construction of the means employed in the construction of bridges or the new principle underlying my invention,

iany other forms of construction being possible.

Having now described my invention, What I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is 7 1. A bridge or ferry, comprising'a pluof the extra planks carried in the wagon.- The stability and carrying-power of the bridge will naturally be lessened in this manner, but is. still sufiicient for a foot bridge. This bridge can be laid in from 2 to 3 minutes, including the time consumed in unloading the wagons.

(.72.) A stronger bridge, regular bridge, of say 10 meters in, length. (See Fig. 2.) This bridge is built by the elements being coupled together transversely, that is, they lie crosswise in the bridge. The bridge is laid by the elements being coupled together as the above, three elements being as a rule coupled in at once; this can be readily done, since the elements lie coupled in threes in the wagon. To facilitate the work of laying, a stage should first be erected consisting of two planks running from the bank down into the water. When the coupling is finished, the bridge is gradually slid down the stage, and when coming into the water the rigid coupling can be done gradually by the hooks 24 on the lower ties 5 being thrown over the bolts 25 of the lower ties of the adjacent element, whereupon the wing-nuts 26 can be screwed up with the hand. The rail boards 10 are now set up and secured by the supports 12 behind being turned up. lVhen an adequate number of elements has been pushed into the water, the landing-platforms are erected. This bridge also can be laid very rapidly, about 5 minutes suflicing. It is strong enough to carry troops and unlimbered guncarriages, which latter, however, would have to be pulled over the bridge by the troops.

(0.) A still lieam'er, double-bridge. (See Fig. 3.)This bridge is built by two parallel regular bridges being united to form a single bridge. This is done by a small coupling-fitting 55 being first provided ata few places, the fitting having a pin 56 at one end and an eye 57 at the other, so that it can be pushed into one of the eyes 19 and over one of the pins 18 at the oppositely located sides of the two bridges. As it is difficult to maintain the same distance apart of the bridges everywhere, the length of the coupling-fitting may be rendered variable by means of a joint in the middle, which, when the fitting has. been set in place, can be rendered rigid by means of a wingnut 58 screwed up with the fingers.

F or laying anchors or for carrying over hawsers, a vessel is constructed, consisting of one or two elements depending upon the strength of the current and of the wind or the extent of the water, and it can be watertight raft boxes, top cross ties to which the boxes are strapped, bottom cross ties bolted to the top ones, and a flooring secured to and carried by the tied boxes, substan tially as described.

2. A bridge or ferry comprising a plu rality of elements, each element comprising water-tight buoyant boxes, and a flooring secured to and carried by assembling devices for coupling each element with a like element, said devices consisting of two horizontal pins located at tWO sides of the element and two eyes located at vices for coupling each element with a like element, each of said devices consisting of two pivotal hooks on one side of the element, and two corresponding wing nuts screwed on their ends positioned on the opposite side, said upper and lower assembling devices being adapted to attachably couple an element with a like element and prevent transverse tipping of any element with respect to the element adjacent thereto.

3. A bridge or ferry, comprising a plu rality of elements each comprising watertight raft boxes, a flooring secured to and carried thereby and devices for coupling the element with a like element, a landing platform, comprising a floor, ties carrying the same, two figured iron girders support ing the ties, devices located at the sides for joining the platform to the top of a bridge element, and flexible means having an eye at the end for securing the shore-end of the platform to the bottom of such element, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

JENS PETER MARIUS MATHIAS CHRISTENSEN.

rowed by one or two men. 1tnesses:

For swamp-bridges, that 1s, bridges over B. POULSEN, swampy or marshy places, soft banks, or A. POULSEN.

Copies of this patentjmay be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

. Washington, D. G.

said boxes, upper the opposite sides, and lower assembling deferries according to rality of elements, each element comprising pins having I 

